One of our newest programmes, Diversity Mayo started in April 2017 and will run for three years. This project is co-financed by the European Commission under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and supported by the Department of Justice and Equality.

Diversity Mayo aims to enable asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable Third Country Nationals (TCNs) in Mayo to access high-quality information, advocacy, activities, supports and services appropriate to their legal status. A second aim is to build the capacity of front-line services to respond to the needs of the target group in a culturally competent way.

How will this programme be delivered?Mayo Intercultural Action (MIA), a Mayo-based migrant representative and advocacy group, will host the AMIF programme in Castlebar. Two staff members will deliver the programme: working with people living in Direct Provision and outreach to people living in the community.

What will be delivered?Direct Provision: Outreach drop-in service is established to enable residents to receive advice, support, information about their rights, entitlements and opportunities in relation to health, welfare, education/training, accommodation and linking with local community. Group pre-counselling supports, cultural, well-being and sport activities, and a befriending programme will be put in place to support those who move out of Direct Provision into the community.

Outreach and training: Series of outreach sessions in six towns across the county. We will organise inter-cultural activities and the programme aims to increase awareness of migrant issues with agency staff by running a training programme, led by migrants themselves and by producing information videos.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018-2022 is funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development and co-funded by the European Social Fund under the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020